Mr Hanley and Mrs Cook update us with news from the Astro, courts and fields
Mr Hanley on boys' hockey, mixed squash and rugby sevens
Hockey
- 1st VII, who managed to beat two schools, which had qualified for the National Finals this year. Had our IAPS been later in the season, we could well have been there ourselves.
- U11A, who won all their games in their group in the regional IAPS.
- U10C, who lost only one game this season and that was to a B team.
The inter-patrol events were hotly contested as always, but the depth in strength at the events this year was so good to see. Congratulations to:
- Senior Inter-Patrol Hockey - Panthers!
- Intermediate Inter-Patrol Hockey - Owls!
- Junior Inter-Patrol Hockey - Tigers!
Hockey colours were awarded to two boys who played important roles over two years in the first team:
- Rocco M was our top goal scorer and was a constant threat to the opposition
- Freddie T, who captained the side well and led by example in every match with high level performances.
Headmaster's Awards for hockey, as voted by the staff, were awarded to the following boys for a stand-out level of improvement this season:
- Year 3 - Harrison H
- Year 4 - Ben M-B
- Year 5 - Harrison C
- Year 6 - Harry B
- Year 7 - Loftus S
- Year 8 - Jude R
Honourable mentions for Wilf D, Freddie T, Oscar Z, George T, Jack B, Jack J, Alfie G and Arlo R.
Squash
Squash fixtures are particularly tricky to come by at prep school level and competitive fixtures have been absent from our school calendar for almost three years. Therefore, it was extra exciting to have a fixture this term. Our thanks to Prebendal for bringing over their keen squad. After a good afternoon of squash, Westbourne recorded a victory of 6-2.
Although matches themselves are hard to come by, there is a real appetite in the school for squash, which, as a squash player myself, I'm very happy with! We have more people involved in squads this year, and this gave me the opportunity to open the Inter-Patrol Squash to more people. We had over 50 children compete over three different days and it was fantastic to see many children enjoying this fast-paced game. I was especially pleased to have a huge number of girls involved.
Congratulations to the Owls, who were the overall winners.
Rugby Sevens
The rugby sevens season runs alongside hockey, giving a small number of boys the opportunity to try their hand at a slightly different format of the game.
The U13 boys' team managed top half finishes in two strong sevens events at Windlesham and Aldro, while at Rosslyn Park, the National IAPS sevens event, they played five, won 2 and lost three. It was a great way for the boys to spend their last competitive day of rugby at Westbourne, playing some excellent matches but also getting to watch the boys' and girls' U18 events which were quite inspiring. The U12 team were unfortunate to have one of their two tournaments cancelled, but I'm pleased to be able to write that we left the U12 Aldro sevens as champions, winning all our games.
It has been an amazing term, filled to the brim with a variety of sports, but now, as the sun becomes more prominent and the temperatures rise (we hope!), we very much look forward to next term with lots of cricket, tennis and athletics to enjoy.
Mrs Cook on girls' football, IAPS netball, mixed IAPS swimming and Inter-Patrol Swimming Galas
What an incredibly packed and successful half-term it's been for our girls' sports! We've seen an unprecedented level of activity, particularly in football, and the results have been nothing short of spectacular. This half-term has been a testament to the girls' dedication and commitment. They have participated in an astounding 75 fixtures, 11 tournaments, and two IAPS events. Their energy and enthusiasm have been truly inspiring.
Headmaster's Awards for sport were awarded for a variety of reasons. However, each recipient had demonstrated exceptional tenacity and a consistently positive attitude. They are all fantastic role models for their peers. Well done to:
- Sofia R-E
- Amber E
- Tippi W
- Georgie N
- Anya H
- Florence T
Football
Our football season was a whirlwind of action and the girls rose to the challenge magnificently. The 1st team demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, suffering only one loss throughout the entire season. The 2nd team were absolutely unstoppable, achieving a flawless, undefeated record. Equally impressive, our U10B team also finished the season without a single loss! Huge congratulations to all the football teams on their outstanding performances.
IAPS Netball - Regional Rounds
In the IAPS Netball Regional Rounds, our U11A team showcased their talent and teamwork, securing well-deserved first place medals in the plate competition. This is a fantastic achievement and we are incredibly proud of their success.
IAPS Swimming Competition
The IAPS Swimming Competition took place in the very first week back after half-term, and our swimmers performed brilliantly. While we have their individual times, we are eagerly awaiting the overall results. The IAPS swimming competition compiles times from all participating schools, meaning we'll have to wait to see how our swimmers ranked nationally. Keep an eye out for updates!
Huge congratulations; we are delighted to announce that swimming colours were awarded to:
- Max M
- Hetty B
- Hebe S
- Mya L-G
As we look forward to the cricket season, we are filled with excitement and anticipation. Let's hope for plenty of sunshine, spectacular sixes, and of course, those delightful match teas! Well done to all the girls for a truly outstanding half-term.
Inter-Patrol Swimming Galas
Some splashing good news from the swimming galas this year! This time, we tried something new: three swimming galas and what a huge success it was! We saw so many amazing swims, tons of cheering, and most importantly, lots of happy faces in the pool.
First up, we had the Year 5 and 6 gala. It was a super close event with the Otters, Owls, Panthers and the Tigers battling it out for first place. Every stroke counted and the pool was filled with excitement. In the end, the Tigers just managed to swim their way to victory, taking home the trophy! What a fantastic performance!
Next, it was the Year 7 and 8s turn to show off their swimming skills. And goodness, did they! The Owls were absolutely amazing, swimming like true champions and taking the top spot. They were really on top of their game and swam wonderfully to take home the senior trophy.
Then, on the second day, we had the Year 3 and 4 gala. Now, this one was a nail-biter! Every patrol was swimming their hearts out and there were wins all around. It was so close that we were all on the edge of our seats until the final floating mat relay had been completed. But in the end, just like in the senior gala, the Owls managed to pull through and take the win.
The atmosphere was electric in all of the events and the swimmers all did an incredible job both in and out of the pool.
But it's not just about winning! We also want to give a massive shout out to the most improved swimmers. These swimmers have worked really hard and shown amazing progress in the pool.
Congratulations to our most improved swimmers:
Year 3 Runner up: Dylan S Winner: Hugo O Year 5 Runner up: Rose M Winner: Freddie S-S Year 7 Runner up: Hettie H Winner: Andrew X | Year 4 Runner up: Otto B Winner: Layaanah S Year 6 Runner up: Ursula C Winner: William F Year 8 Runner up: Jamie R Winner: Ardra J |
And finally, we have the swimmers of the year! These swimmers have shown amazing speed and skill across all the strokes.
For Years 4 to 8, we looked at the combined times for all four strokes, and for Year 3, we looked at the times for three strokes.
So, congratulations to our swimmers of the year:
Year 3: 3rd place - Murphy M Year 5: 3rd place - Tabitha G Year 7: 3rd place - Henry M | Year 4: 3rd place - Amber E 3rd place - Harry L 3rd place - Hetty B |
You are all super stars. Well done to everyone who took part and to all the winners. It was a fantastic end to the term.
